Lake birding habitat

Lake Needwood

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Needwood is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/21/2026Rock Creek Park--Beach Drive west of Kensington Parkway1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/21/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)2 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

7/20/2026Gunners Lake1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/19/2026Great Falls Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

307/19/2026

Mourning Dove

27/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

47/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/19/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

17/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

57/19/2026

Blue Jay

27/19/2026

American Crow

27/19/2026

Fish Crow

77/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

57/19/2026

Tufted Titmouse

77/19/2026

Barn Swallow

47/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

47/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Needwood for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Needwood for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Needwood?
Notable species at Lake Needwood include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Needwood?
Birding at Lake Needwood is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Needwood?
Lake Needwood offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.